This leadership election has turned into something of a political marathon, and there are some who are getting a bit panicky about who might end up winning. I've met hundreds of our members this year in every corner of the country. They are sensible, decent people - they are our best resource; and one that we've not made enough of over the years. I believe they will come to the same conclusion that I have reached. That the person best placed to unite our movement and our party, and to lead us back to victory, is Andy.

The reality is we also have a group of youngsters who risk being left behind for good if we don't change the status quo. Is the shadow spokesman really arguing to just consign this group to rattling round the justice system, committing offences time and again until they end up as adults behind bars?

Earlier this year the Government unveiled plans for one of the most ill-thought through policies of this Parliament. It's called the Secure College - a new Titan prison for young offenders.
It sounds good in theory. It's supposed to be a new institution that will 'transform youth custody' by prioritising learning. In reality it's a flawed, expensive and potentially dangerous idea.

Serious youth crime is shocking because it clearly represents the squandering of life and potential not just for the victim but for the perpetrator. How can someone so young, with so much life to lead, carry out acts that are so cruel, and so reckless? It is a painfully clear indication that something in the environment in which that young life has been nurtured has gone terribly wrong.

With the number of domestic abuse cases being referred to the Crown Prosecution Service falling and a lack of action on implementing "Eve's Law", the government risks turning back the clock. Eve Thomas has found the courage to fight back and we owe it to her, and other victims of abuse to address what is a small anomaly, but one which will have a huge impact on their lives.

Last year, 1.2 million women and 800,000 men reported domestic abuse, up 10% in the past three years. In the same time frame, the number of cases the police referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) fell by 13%. In essence, fewer perpetrators were stopped and more victims remain at risk.

By introducing a code, rather than a law as Labour propose, this Tory-led government is demonstrating just how out of touch they are with the reality of the criminal justice system, and the needs of victims... Without statutory underpinning, the only message this latest announcement sends to victims is: this government is not on your side.